Broccoli Pesto Pasta Sauce: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, our desire for comforting, warm dishes only grows stronger. For many of us, nothing says "cozy evening" like a steaming plate of pasta smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce. But this season, why not mix things up with a vegetarian twist on a classic pesto sauce? Enter the broccoli pesto pasta sauce, a game-changing option that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and give your diet a much-needed boost.
The Origin of Pesto
Pesto, a classic Genovese sauce, hails from the Liguria region of Italy. Originally made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto quickly gained popularity worldwide for its vibrant green color, vibrant flavor, and versatility. Traditionally, pesto is a summer staple, made with fresh basil and served alongside pasta, seafood, and vegetables.
The Game-Changer: Broccoli
Enter broccoli, a cruciferous superfood packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Simply roasting or steaming broccoli brings out its naturally sweet flavor, making it an ideal candidate to sub in for basil in our beloved pesto sauce.
The Recipe
To create this innovative sauce, we’ll need:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (vegetarian option: omit or substitute with nutritional yeast)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Let the broccoli cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a blender or food processor with the remaining ingredients except for the pasta.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
- Cook your pasta al dente, then combine it with the broccoli pesto sauce. Toss to coat, adding any additional seasonings or nutrients as desired.
Health Benefits
This broccoli pesto pasta sauce is more than just a tasty innovation – it’s also packed with nutrients. Broccoli is a rich source of:
- Vitamin C and K
- Fiber, which supports healthy digestion
- Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
- Cancer-fighting compounds
- Vitamin A, potassium, and folate
Creative Variations
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this sauce your own. Try adding:
- Cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
- Caramelized onions or sweet potatoes for added sweetness
- Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil for added freshness
Conclusion
Broccoli pesto pasta sauce is a delicious, innovative, and nutritious twist on the classic pesto. Its vibrant green color and sweet, earthy flavor are sure to delight even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a creative way to use up broccoli, or simply a new reason to love pasta, this sauce is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try – your taste buds (and your health) will thank you!
I made this one up, but here is the gist.
First chop up a couple medium sized heads of broccoli into small pieces.
Then steam the broccoli until it’s very soft.
Blended with a generous amount of fresh basil, a ton of olive oil, garlic, grated Pecorino / Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste
Serve over whatever pasta you like
Ingredients:
* 2 medium heads of broccoli
* Fresh basil (as much as you want)
* Olive oil (at least a cup)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (and/or Parmesan cheese)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pasta of your choice
Instructions:
1) Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
2) Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
3) In a blender, combine the steamed broccoli, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4) Serve the sauce over cooked pasta of your choice.
It looks amazing, can’t wait to try this out!
Tried this, absolutely love it. Its also so simple to make. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you chef
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